Influencer Reveals Friend Suffered Temporary Paralysis Due to 'Whip Pink' Use

The Directorate of Drug Crimes (Dittipidnarkoba) of the Indonesian National Police (Bareskript Polri) has interrogated influencer ZNM regarding the use of nitrous oxide (N2O) gas, commonly known as ‘Whip Pink’. During the interrogation, ZNM revealed the severe health consequences of the substance, noting that a friend experienced temporary paralysis after use.

ZNM appeared at the Bareskrim Polri building in South Jakarta to testify as a witness regarding the misuse of the gas. Investigators reportedly posed approximately 30 questions, covering the origins and methods of use. The investigation was triggered by viral content on Instagram showing ZNM and an associate, APG, using the gas. ZNM admitted to first using the substance while on holiday in Bali and subsequently purchasing it independently in Jakarta and Makassar, driven by curiosity.

Beyond the immediate ‘high’ or ‘fly’ sensation, ZNM reported experiencing severe headaches. The police are now pushing for legislative changes to address the growing misuse of the substance. Kombes Zulkarnain Harahap, Sub-director of Dittipidnarkoba Bareskrim Polri, suggested that nitrous oxide should be included in the annex of the Narcotics Law. Currently, law enforcement faces significant hurdles because distributors use labels such as ‘not for health use’ to evade the Health Law, or operate under business-to-business (B2B) schemes to bypass Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) regulations.

To strengthen enforcement, the police have recommended two strategic steps: first, urging BPOM to include N2O in the Indonesian Pharmacopoeia (Edition VI) as a pharmaceutical preparation, and second, officially categorising the substance under the Narcotics Law to enable stricter monitoring and legal action against its illicit circulation.